Uluru reopens to public from June 19 says Parks Australia

Parks Australia have revealed a date when visitors will be able to return to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Kakadu will reopen next week but no overnight camping will be allowed

Kakadu and Uluru Kata Tjuta National Parks will both welcome visitors from Friday, June 19

VISITORS will be able to return to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park when it reopens next Friday.

Parks Australia has confirmed the park will reopen on June 19, with walking tracks and sunrise and sunset viewing areas open again for visitors.

Ayers Rock Resort will also have its campground and caravan park open from June 19.

MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS

Two week wait to reopen Kakadu to cost tourism operators more than $1m

NT caravan parks back in demand as grey nomads warm to travel

Traditional owners calling for Kakadu to reopen ‘as soon as possible’

Kakadu National Park will also reopen on June 19 but many have criticised Parks Australia’s decision to not reopen last weekend as travel restrictions lifted across the NT.

Tourism Top End chief executive officer Glen Hingley said the two week wait had cost tourism operators more than $1 million.

National Parks director Dr James Findlay said the delay was largely due to infrastructure upgrades.

“Currently, we are continuing to make some urgent infrastructure repairs across the park, including at the Bowali Visitor Centre which will remain closed for several weeks, district ranger stations and staff housing,” he said,

He said Kakadu will be open for day use only, between 8am and 5pm, with no overnight camping permitted during the first stage of reopening.

Kakadu Tourism chair Rick Allert said people will still be able to camp at the Cooinda Lodge because it is technically not in the national park’s official area.

NEW OFFER: Get amazing Sennheiser earbuds (RRP: $499) with NT News subscription deal

Visitors will also be able to stay overnight in hotel accommodation options at Jabiru, Cooinda and Mary River.

“We are open and very happy to take visitors, who have the distinct advantage of being able to experience the peak season in Kakadu without many other visitors and at very attractive rates,” Mr Allert said. “In addition to various accommodation options at Cooinda, we are also operating sunrise and sunset Yellow Water Cruises.”

The Mamukala Wetlands, Mangarre Rainforest, Bardedjilidji, Gungural, the Yurmikmik area and the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) region will also be open.